In a quest for redemption, the Boston Celtics embarked on their playoff journey seeking revenge against the Miami Heat, who had humiliated them in a Game 7 showdown at TD Garden just a year prior. This time, the tables turned as the Celtics exacted their vengeance, emerging victorious in a dominant display. Jaylen Brown and Derrick White emerged as the stars of the night, each contributing 25 points to secure a resounding 118-84 victory in Game 5, propelling the Celtics to the Eastern Conference semifinals.
With their sights set on the next challenge, Boston now awaits the outcome of the Cleveland-Orlando series, holding a 3-2 lead with Game 6 on the horizon. Brown emphasized the team’s focused mindset, stating that historical rivalries mattered little in their pursuit of victory – it was simply about getting the job done. His sentiments were echoed by teammate Jayson Tatum, who emphasized the equal significance of every playoff encounter and praised the team for executing their game plan effectively.
Boston’s dominance was evident throughout the game, with Brown leading the charge with six assists, complemented by White’s impressive shooting from beyond the arc. The Celtics never trailed, establishing a commanding 37-point lead that proved insurmountable for a depleted Miami Heat squad. Despite a valiant effort from Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro, the Heat struggled, particularly from long range, shooting a dismal 3 of 29 from 3-point territory.
Heat coach Erik Spoelstra acknowledged the Celtics’ heightened energy from the outset, attributing it to potential motivating factors against Miami. Despite the disappointing end to their season, Adebayo emphasized the lessons learned and the mental toughness gained, signaling optimism for the future. Meanwhile, Boston navigated their first postseason game without center Kristaps Porzingis, who was sidelined with a calf injury, showcasing the team’s depth and resilience in overcoming adversity.
